Homeschool is a Work of Heart

Summer Reading Inspiration for Your Kids

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317281/fan_mail/new] Looking for a great book your child will actually want to read this summer?  In this episode, I'm sharing five highly recommended books for ages 10 to 12, one from each of five different genres.  I did the research so you don't have to.  I chose titles praised by parents, teachers, librarians, and young readers alike.  Whether your child loves fantasy, mystery, historical adventure, science fiction, or realistic fiction, you'll leave with fresh ideas that just might become this summer's favorite read. Read On! Mentioned in this Episode 📕 Impossible Creatures [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743371/impossible-creatures-by-katherine-rundell-illustrated-by-ashley-mackenzie/] by Katherine Rundell (2024) 📕 Mountain of Fire [https://rebeccaefbarone.com/books/mountain-of-fire/] by Rebecca Barone (2024) 📕 The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711508/the-swifts-a-gallery-of-rogues-by-beth-lincoln-illustrated-by-claire-powell/] by Beth Lincoln (2024) 📕 The Experiment [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/220908981-the-experiment] by Rebecca Stead (2025) 📕 Marcus Makes a Movie [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55628980-marcus-makes-a-movie] by Kevin Hart (2025)

The Cost of the Life You Want

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317281/fan_mail/new] Have you ever stood in a store debating whether something was really worth the price?  This week, a $70 bottle of self-tanner got me thinking about something much bigger than money. I started wondering about the other costs we pay to live the lives we desire.  Every day, we're making exchanges with our time, energy, attention, and priorities.  The question is: Are those exchanges helping us build the life we truly want?  In this episode, we'll explore how our everyday choices shape our health, our relationships, our homeschooling, and even the connection we build with our children through reading together. Write On! Mentioned in This Week's Episode 🔗 Novel Study: The Cricket in Times Square [https://writeonwebb.teachable.com/p/cricket-in-times-square] 🌎 Write On! Webb Website [https://writeonwebb.com/]

The Business That Was Never Yours

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317281/fan_mail/new] Have you ever found yourself wishing someone would just change?  Maybe it's your child, your spouse, a friend, or even a difficult family member.  In this episode, Melissa explores the powerful concept of "my business, your business, and God's business" and how understanding the difference can bring greater peace, healthier relationships, and less worry.  Through practical parenting examples and everyday conversations, you'll discover how to let go of what you can't control, focus on what you can, and trust God with the rest.  If you're ready to trade frustration and anxiety for freedom and confidence, this episode is for you. Write On!

Practice What You Preach

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317281/fan_mail/new] Have you ever encouraged your children to be curious, lifelong learners? I have, and this week, I found myself asking a different question: How often have I modeled that behavior myself? Recently, I stumbled across a strange foamy substance on one of my rosemary plants. What started as a quick gardening observation turned into an unexpected lesson about curiosity, learning, and the importance of practicing what we preach. In this episode, we'll explore the origin of the phrase "practice what you preach," the surprising truth about spittlebugs, and why one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is allowing them to see us learning right alongside them. We'll also talk about simple ways to encourage curiosity during the summer months, why you don't need to have all the answers, and how a family journal of curiosity could become one of your favorite summer traditions. If your goal is to raise children who love learning, this episode is a reminder that curiosity often begins with us. Write On! Mentioned in this episode:  • WOW Essay Essentials [https://writeonwebb.teachable.com/p/essayessentials]

Doing Nothing is Still Doing Something

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2317281/fan_mail/new] Have you ever noticed that putting something off doesn't actually make it disappear? This week, I'm sharing a simple realization that came to me while walking past a game closet that has needed attention for far too long. It got me thinking about how often we postpone projects, conversations, goals, and even important parts of homeschooling because we're waiting for the perfect time. The problem? Doing nothing is still doing something. Our inaction creates results just as surely as our actions do. Join me as I explore the hidden cost of postponing what matters and how one small step can create the momentum you've been hoping for. Write On!